I spent most of the day on Wednesday, March 13th, outdoors. I helped my son with a school project which involved spray paint and then began a project I had put off for far too long. I purchased an old-fashioned metal bread box years ago, and wanted to give it a facelift. After my son no longer needed my assistance, I began painting the bread box.

While waiting between coats of paint, I noticed a green lizard handing upside down on a shepherd’s hook. I had my camera outside with me, because one never knows when the opportunity might arise to take an interesting photo.

I did not look to see if the lizard was trying to impress or trying to warn off another gecko. These green anoles are so interesting to watch, and they are beneficial to have in the garden as well.

“The green lizard that Texas Gulf Coast gardeners frequently observe in their yards is called several names including garden lizards, the changeable lizards and changeable anoles. Many gardeners have also been referring to this lizard as a gecko even before the advent of memorable commercials on television. However, true geckos are a distinctly different type of lizard.

Anoles are often called chameleons because they can change color from green to brown and vice versa. The color changes are caused by hormones and can be triggered by temperature, background color or “mood.” …

There’s no need to worry about this lizard as it is not harmful to humans or your pets. In fact, if you’ve seen these lizards in your yard or home, it most likely means you’re not using pesticides that could harm it. In fact, these lizards are beneficial, as they do feed on a wide variety of small insects such as crickets, cockroaches, moths, grubs, beetles, flies and grasshoppers. They do not chew their food but swallow it whole.”

Brockway Realty is a full service residential and commercial real estate brokerage based in League City, serving the League City, Clear Lake and Houston, Texas markets with over 20 agents. Member, League City Regional Chamber of Commerce